By Rob Caldwell • October 2010 The wheel/rail interface is a complex system – one that benefits greatly from careful pre-engineering. There are significant benefits from properly addressing the wheel/rail interface, and serious consequences from allowing the interface to govern itself. While there are examples of both pre- and post-engineering scenarios, there …
By Mike Gilliam and Russell Rohlf • October 2010 Optimizing friction management is an ongoing project on Union Pacific. Gauge-face (GF) lubrication is a long-standing program, but it requires an additional 400 units to reach optimum efficiency. A large number of top-of-rail (TOR) units are needed, as well, as UP is only beginning …
By Gary Wolf • January, 2007 The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has promulgated a new Rule 46 in the Field Manual of the AAR Interchange Rules. This new rule represents a comprehensive effort to codify under one umbrella many of the formerly fragmented rules dealing with truck wear limits, maintenance …